Photo: Getty Images
Paralyzed former football player Corey Broner shocked his family, classmates and professors when he walked across the stage at graduation last week. Accepting his hard-earned diploma, the college graduate shared a positive message for those who were inspired by this feat.
"I shocked the whole world! [It's a great feeling] when you surprise the world [by] walking across [the stage] to receive your communication[s] degree. This is the biggest moment in my life. I will continue to never give up and inspire the world with my testimony. I walked again," he tweeted.
"Tough times don't last long. Tough people do. [This video] brings tears to my eyes. [I am] still watching [it]."
Broner suffered the life-altering injury in 2009 while making a tackle in a high school football game. His C5-C6 injury left him paralyzed, but it didn't kill his spirit. Working through mental hurdles and physical therapy, Broner became a motivational speaker and now has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of North Texas.
"We all go through something. That's one thing about life. But as long as you continue to stay focused and stay positive, anything is possible,” Broner told NBC in Dallas.
Through the ups and downs of the last decade, Broner has had one incredibly strong woman by his side, his mother. Nearly in tears, Charlotte Broner was jumping for joy as her son made his way across the stage.
"It's just a dream come true. I haven't seen him take a step in 12 years,” Borner's mother added.
"Whether he was able to even do this or not, you know, I know he's going to do something that is positive. He's going to motivate people. He's here for a reason. God kept him here for a reason."
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